From Westeros to the Waltz: Gay Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn joins Strictly 2025

Kristian Nairn, best known to millions as the gentle giant Hodor from Game of Thrones, is swapping Westeros for the waltz as he becomes the final celebrity confirmed for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

The 49-year-old gay actor and DJ was unveiled live on BBC Radio 2, joining a glittering cast of 15 for the show’s 23rd series, which kicks off this September. Nairn, who also starred in the cult comedy Our Flag Means Death, described the opportunity as “surreal and wonderful,” adding, “This will be a huge challenge for me physically, but I’m ready to rise to it! It’s time to shed one of my left feet”.

Standing at nearly seven feet tall, Nairn is set to be one of the most physically striking contestants in Strictly history. But it’s not just his stature that’s making headlines. A proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Nairn has long been a vocal advocate for equality in Northern Ireland and beyond. He previously served as resident DJ at Kremlin, a renowned gay nightclub in Belfast, and has performed alongside global names like Fatboy Slim and Steve Aoki.

Nairn’s casting has been met with excitement from fans and fellow contestants alike. Head judge Shirley Ballas welcomed him with a heart emoji on social media, while last year’s contestant Pete Wicks simply said, “Yes, mate,” with a fire emoji.

He joins a diverse and dynamic line-up that includes RuPaul’s Drag Race UK finalist La Voix – the first drag queen to compete in a full-length Strictly series.

The show, hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, returns to BBC One and iPlayer on Saturday, 20 September.